Who’s running in state House primaries in Richland County & what are their views?
Primary elections for state House seats are Tuesday as all 124 seats in the chamber are up for election this year.
Last month, The State newspaper sent questionnaires to candidates in House Districts 70, 73 and 79 in Richland County and have contested primaries.
House District 70: Democratic
Noah Barker
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?
The biggest issue facing District 70 is growth. South Carolina is the fastest growing state in the union and nowhere is that more evident than in Kershaw County and Lower Richland. In Kershaw County, we have new subdivisions being built every month, but we have the same number of schools that we had two decades ago. In Lower Richland, green spaces are being bulldozed to make way for slab housing. Thousands of people are moving into our community every year.
We need to ensure that communities have a say in new development and have the necessary resources and infrastructure to support growth. When the General Assembly returns to session in 2027, I will support legislation like state Sen. Tom Davis’ bill on local planning (S. 227) which empowers local governments to delay new development. I would also support efforts to fix District 70’s crumbling infrastructure which is only worsened by our growing population.
Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?
In 2024, Donald Trump promised the American people that there would be no new wars, low gas prices and a reduction in inflation. Promises made, promises kept, right? Wrong.
It is not surprising, but it is unfortunate for South Carolinians and the people of District 70 who are struggling to afford groceries, pay their utility bills and fill up their gas tanks. Like me!
I will support efforts to suspend the gas tax when the price of gasoline exceeds $4 a gallon to help alleviate the rising cost of oil. I will also champion causes like universal preschool and universal school breakfast and lunch, which will lower the monthly expenses for families with school-aged kids.
Do you believe that the House Democratic Caucus has been aggressive enough in challenging the Republican supermajority? Why or why not?
No. Currently, we have fewer Democrats in the General Assembly than anytime since Reconstruction. Nearly 150 years ago. While some of my party’s decline can be blamed on a shift in our state’s politics, some of it is because my party lacks focus and fight.
Every year, we fight the Republicans on social issues like abortion and LGBT rights (as we should and as I will continue to do). But how often do you hear of the Democrats in our General Assembly fighting for tax cuts for middle class families? Or expanding healthcare access? Or providing universal preschool to South Carolina’s children?
Last year, the House budget (proposal) included a $441 increase in insurance premiums for state employees, which would have resulted in a $441 pay cut for those public servants. Not only did this budget item pass nearly unanimously, but every single Democrat voted for it. That line item in the budget could have been an opportunity for our caucus to differentiate themselves and show the people of South Carolina who we’re fighting for.
In 2027, I hope to bring focus to these issues in the State House and fight for the people of District 70 and South Carolina.
Why should your party nominate you?
I’m running to represent the people of House District 70 because they deserve a leader who shows up and fights for them every single day. Unfortunately, that’s not what we’re getting.
I’m running because we deserve better. As a legislator, I’ll fight to lower the cost of living, expand healthcare access, provide universal preschool and fix our state’s infrastructure. As a member of the House Democratic Caucus, I’ll use my experience as a political strategist and fundraiser to grow our caucus and win back control of the House of Representatives.
I’d be honored to serve the people of Kershaw and Richland counties in the State House and will work tirelessly to make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Evelyn Carlin
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?
I believe the biggest issue facing my district is the issue of growth. Our state is the fastest growing state in the country. People are moving into many of our counties, two of which are Kershaw and parts of Richland County. But as growth continues, so does the stress on infrastructure, schools, water supply, energy needs and so on.
Local governments must manage this growth. Some do it better than others. Tools in their toolbox include engaging their communities in a vision of how growth might proceed in their community. This includes what types of housing residents want or will accept (this may include townhouses, condos, single family houses, etc.) Also, do they want a moratorium on growth in the community? Kershaw County Council and the city of Camden have done this.
Kershaw County adopted smart growth and Richland County enacted other measures. Moratoriums on developments and impact fees on developers have occurred. State legislators need to work with local governments and residents on what is best for their local communities and the pace of growth. That’s key.
Gas prices have increased amid the War with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8 percent in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?
Too many South Carolinians are suffering financially. Our state legislature and governor need to take some immediate action to provide relief. Just think how more than $5 million could have helped South Carolinians with paying their bills instead of going to an unnecessary redistricting map and new elections for U.S. House of Representative candidates! And just think if our governor and state legislature had passed gas tax relief! They didn’t! Gas is now costing South Carolinians about $40 more a month! What can we do? We can have a gas tax holiday (maybe July 4th!); use state money to aggressively advertise GasBuddy with a listing of the lowest gas prices at local gas stations; provide increased public transportation, etc.
With regard to the cost of food, let’s allow farmers and vendors to use some abandoned properties to create small mini-farmers markets at which fresh food and vegetables can be sold. These prices of goods are generally lower than supermarket prices. Also, food pantry listings must be made readily available and aggressively advertised by state and local governments. Evictions must be temporarily suspended, at least for a few months, so tenants won’t become homeless.
These are a few creative ideas. Let’s get to work!
Do you believe the House Democratic Caucus has been aggressive enough in challenging the Republican supermajority? Why or why not?
I have heard the criticisms and even gone to Democratic Party county meetings at which Democrats and Democratic state representatives present have expressed their frustrations at current leadership in challenging the Republican supermajority.
At this time I have processed the sentiments, but reserve judgment. I want to get elected and see, and hear, exactly how strongly the leadership is challenging the Republican supermajority. Certainly on the issue of the proposed redistricting for congressional districts in South Carolina, the House Democratic Caucus came out swinging.
But I would like to add this important fact: Thousands of people across South Carolina, myself included, have come out in droves at rallies that have occurred on our state capitol grounds; many dozens have given testimonies at hearings and/or submitted written testimonies.
All of us are doing our part.
Finally, our vote is our voice. Primaries and general elections are coming up. VOTE!
Why should your party nominate you?
Voters will make their choices, not the Democratic Party.
In my race, there is no Republican challenger. Three of us are in a Democratic primary.
Thus, whoever wins in the primary will be the next State House Representative for District 70 (areas of Kershaw County, and areas of lower Richland County.)
I believe I am the most qualified for the job.
First, the number one function of a state representative is to be a lawmaker. I have a law degree, the others do not. I have used my law degree working for a judge, doing mediation work and teaching law.
Second, I am a community activist in Kershaw County. I am involved with the Kershaw County Democratic Party, the Kershaw County Democratic Women, the Camden Junior Welfare League and the Kershaw County NAACP. I do community service projects, give presentations, such as the need for our state to pass a state minimum wage law, and got approximately 700 signatures on petitions, with help, advocating for the Kershaw County Council to pass a local hate crimes ordinance.
Robert Reese (incumbent)
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?
Energy justice and affordability is the most pressing issue that we face in the district and in this state! Our major energy companies have convinced lawmakers that this state has a capacity issue, and it’s imperative that we build our way out of this energy crisis.
Fortunately, our capacity issues have nothing to do with residential housing needs. We have enough energy capacity for current and future energy generation; however, the capacity constraints are caused by the need for energy generation for industrial users, mainly the energy hogs — data centers!
Why should South Carolinians have our energy rates hiked because energy companies are building more generation facilities to accommodate data centers and other industrial users?
Skyrocketing home energy prices and poor energy efficiency is a huge issue for voters in our district and throughout our state. We cannot continue to absorb these unsustainable energy costs! I have introduced two bills to limit rate hikes and to educate and mobilize a group of citizen advocates. Additionally, we must require industrial customers to pay for their own energy production.
Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?
There are two things that I would do immediately to address affordability issues for our most venerable citizens. First, I would pass the homestead exemption bill that’s been stalled in the House of Representatives this entire session.
I’ve advocated to have Senate Bill 768 moved out of committee into the House floor for unanimous consent. This bill would expand the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $100,000, and it would lower the eligibility age from 65 to 60.
Passing this bill would provide immediate disposal income to help those eligible recipients to weather these rough economic times that we are currently experiencing.
This first effort would affect our elderly community, but the second solution would benefit “all” residents.
Suspend the state “gas” tax for a specified period of time. The state gas tax is included in the “price per gallon” that every citizen pays at the pump. Suspending these taxes for South Carolinians would provide immediate relief at the gas pump.
Suspending these taxes gas tax in South Carolina would save the taxpayers more than 28 cents per gallon at the pump.
Do you believe that the House Democratic Caucus has been aggressive enough in challenging the Republican supermajority? Why or why not?
As a freshman legislator, I’ve seen how good, common sense, legislation “never” makes it out of committee while the Republicans caucus continues to pass legislation that mainly benefits the wealthiest citizens.
H. 3777 would have reduced car prices by approximately $8,000, but this bill never made it out of committee, because the car dealership lobby did not want to lose money for their business constituency. S.62 gave $7,500 to families with household incomes up to $96,450 this year and $160,450 next year. The energy bill allowed companies to raise energy rates indiscriminately.
Each example above demonstrates that our current Republican majority is focused on protecting the economic interests of its business and wealthy constituent groups.
The only way to change this situation is to elect more Democratic representatives to the SC House of Representatives.
Why should your party nominate you?
I am a strong representative for the constituents in my district. I have vigorously advocated for middle class families, and I secured financial resources for our district too!
I do not accept donations from large corporate donors, so I can stay independent in my assessment of legislation that might adversely affect the residents of Districts 70, and I have the respect and admiration of my colleagues.
I have a fresh perspective on policy and process.
For these reasons, I think that you should allow me another term to advocate for the people in District 70.
House District 73: Democratic
Candidate Cam George did not respond directly to questions sent to him.
Chris Hart
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?
One of the biggest issues facing House District 73 is the chronic medical conditions like diabetes and other chronic health issues. In District 73 we are constantly teaming up with health providers, community groups and churches to bring outreach to the community to increase the knowledge and information and access to affordable healthcare.
Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?
A temporary measure would be to suspend the gas tax in South Carolina for our citizens to bring immediate relief. A long-term solution would be to stop committing the United States to unnecessary wars and international conflicts that causesa rise and spike in our gas prices. As a veteran of the Gulf War, I understand the sacrifices of our military men and women and pray for their safe return home every day.
Do you believe that the House Democratic Caucus has been aggressive enough in challenging the Republican supermajority? Why or why not?
Yes, the S.C. House Democratic Caucus has been actively pushing back against the Republican supermajority. A prime example was illustrated during the redistricting debate and because of the firm opposition by House Democratic members, the supermajority was forced to cheat and change the rules in the middle of debate. When the supermajority can’t win, they change the rules.
Why should your party nominate you?
The citizens of House District 73 should nominate me because over the past 20 years, I have been accessible and accountable to my constituents. Together we have made great progress like the elimination of payday loans, the re-construction of malfunction junction, economic investment like Scout Motors, all of which directly affect House District 73.
House District 79: Democratic
Hamilton Grant
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?
The biggest issue facing House District 79 currently is middecade redistricting. While as candidates we run on platforms that help the lives of our constituents, the constituents of House District 79 have bombarded my correspondence with questions on redistricting. The right to vote is one of the most sacred and precious rights of all Americans and constituents are concerned about the rushed and unorganized efforts of drawing out constituents. Currently, House District 79 is located in the 2nd and 6th Congressional District but with this new effort our district would be in the 5th Congressional District. This was done without the input of the constituents of District 79 and many are upset about the elimination of the current 6th Congressional District. Congressman Clyburn has worked extremely hard for the people of the 6th and my constituents are heartbroken of the idea this may not be for much longer.
My constituents understand that this is a monumental moment and have supported my leadership in efforts to stop these efforts.
Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?
My constituents work extremely hard but with rising cost of gas, housing and the termination of the DSS Childcare Grant, many families are having to pick up additional jobs. Our elderly population is having to make the tough decision of whether they pay for groceries or pay for medicine. In my first term, I have consistently supported the bipartisan effort to temporarily suspend the gas tax, but sadly, Republicans have shot down every effort to do so. I have sponsored legislation that would financially assist businesses impacted by delayed construction projects like the one on Hard Scrabble Road but has been stalled by committee. I have also advocated for food insecurity changes in and around our colleges and universities as well as co-sponsored legislation that addresses attainable housing in our state. It has been a priority of mine to help South Carolina families keep hard-earned money in their pockets and will continue to do so when re-elected.
Do you believe that the House Democratic Caucus has been aggressive enough in challenging the Republican supermajority? Why or why not?
As a freshman Democratic Caucus member, I believe that House Democrats have made tremendous strides in challenging the Republican supermajority. As readers know, at the end of the day it is numbers game when it comes to the actual voting on a bill. However, I would challenge readers to look at the wins and loss columns slightly differently when it pertains to our caucus. Democrats have introduced a number of bills that aims to keep South Carolina affordable, accessible and accountable, however due to the “D” behind our names, many of us don’t even get our bills heard in committee. Additionally, whenever Democrats offer amendments to harmful bills, the cloture rule is invoked that severely limits debate. While I understand the question asked, I think a better question to ask is “Do Republicans really want to debate policy that betters South Carolina in a fair manner or do they want to continue hurting South Carolinians and blame Democrats when we haven’t had a majority in over 2 decades?”
Whether Republicans are invoking rules or changing rules like the resolution introduced during the middecade redistricting debate, Democrats continually get creative and adjust to continue fighting for all South Carolinians and not just Republicans. Not only will I continue that fight, I will continue to educate District 79 on how they can play a role in this fight as well!
Why should your party nominate you?
While I’m honored and proud to be a Democrat here in South Carolina, I’m more honored to be nominated by the people of House District 79 and not our party. Two years ago when I was elected, I met all kinds of wonderful people throughout our community. What I quickly realized is before party platform or political ideology, these are people with real issues and concerns. At the end of the day, I represent Democrats and Republicans. People who voted for me and people who did not. I continue to make myself available to all constituents because I value the diversity of thought and ideas. That is what makes District 79 so special.
The wonderful people of House District 79 should re-elect me because for two years I have consistently been a vocal advocate for change in our state. I have co-authored legislation and co-sponsored legislation that is now law which is highly unusual for a freshman legislator. I have challenged the status quo and have continuously advocated for accountability. I have worked with my fellow Democrats to fight against harmful bills and I consistently update the District with my weekly social media legislative updates. With everything that is going on in our state, now is not the time to pick new leadership. District 79 deserves a true fighter and I believe that I am the best qualified person for this fight.
Anthony Stoval did not respond to the questionnaire.
